Other Names:  form. Gordonia longicarpa

Description:

This upright multi-trunked shrub can also be maintained as a small tree; in groups it is great as a tall, natural hedge; green glossy leaves, contrast the large single white flowers in late winter to early spring

Ornamental Features

Polyspora features showy fragrant white cup-shaped flowers with gold eyes at the ends of the branches from early winter to early spring. It has attractive green foliage with pointy light green spines. The glossy narrow leaves are highly ornamental and remain green throughout the winter. The peeling tan bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Polyspora is a multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its average texture blends into the landscape, but can be balanced by one or two finer or coarser trees or shrubs for an effective composition.

This shrub will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should only be pruned after flowering to avoid removing any of the current season's flowers. It is a good choice for attracting bees and butterflies to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Polyspora is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Accent
• Hedges/Screening
• General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Polyspora will grow to be about 15 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 8 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 40 years or more.

This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It may require supplemental watering during periods of drought or extended heat. It is particular about its soil conditions, with a strong preference for rich, acidic soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone over the growing season to conserve soil moisture. This species is not originally from North America.